Government and the law in Australia. Practice questions
20 questions, no clock, with the answer explained as you go. Use the timed exams when you want to know if you are ready.
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All 20 questions and answers
1.Who is the highest authority in an Australian court?
- AThe senior police officer
- BThe foreman of the jury
- CThe Attorney-General
- DThe judge or magistrate
The judge or magistrate is the highest authority in a court. (The courts, judges and juries)
2.What may happen if you do not vote and have no good reason?
- AYou lose your citizenship
- BYou may have to pay a fine
- CYou are removed from the electoral roll
- DYou may be imprisoned
If you do not vote and do not have a good reason you may have to pay a fine. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
3.What is the role of the House of Representatives?
- ATo collect taxes on behalf of the Commonwealth
- BTo consider, debate and vote on proposals for new laws
- CTo appoint the Governor-General and the state governors
- DTo interpret the Australian Constitution and apply it
The role of the House of Representatives is to consider, debate and vote on proposals for new laws or changes to the laws, and to discuss matters of national importance. (The House of Representatives)
4.How many members are elected to the House of Representatives?
- AOver 300
- BExactly 76
- COver 150
- DExactly 12
There are over 150 members elected to the House of Representatives. (The House of Representatives)
5.Who is Australia’s Head of State?
- AThe Governor-General
- BThe Prime Minister
- CThe Chief Justice of the High Court
- DThe King of Australia
Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. (The Head of State and constitutional monarchy)
6.How is voting conducted in Australian elections?
- ABy declaration to an electoral officer
- BBy a public show of hands
- CBy secret ballot
- DBy signed and published ballot
Voting in an Australian election is by secret ballot. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
7.Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?
- AActing as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force
- BInterpreting the Australian Constitution
- CLeading the governing party in parliament
- DSetting income tax rates
The Governor-General acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. (The role of the Governor-General)
8.What must you do before you are able to vote?
- AObtain a voting permit
- BPass a further citizenship test
- CJoin a political party
- DBe correctly enrolled on the electoral roll
The Australian Electoral Commission maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
9.What must babies and young children travel in?
- AThe front passenger seat
- BA parent’s arms
- CAn approved car seat
- DA standard adult seatbelt
Babies and young children must be in an approved car seat. (Criminal and traffic offences)
10.How many senators do the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory each elect?
- ANone
- BTwelve
- CTwo
- DSix
The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory elect two senators each. (The Senate)
11.How does the Governor-General act in relation to political parties?
- AOn instructions from the Senate
- BAs leader of the governing party
- CIndependently of all political parties
- DAs a member of Cabinet
The Governor-General acts independently of all political parties. (The Head of State and constitutional monarchy)
12.Who is allowed to know whom you voted for?
- AThe police, on request
- BThe Australian Electoral Commission
- CYour local member of parliament
- DNo one, unless you choose to tell them
No one is allowed to know whom you have voted for unless you choose to tell them. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
13.What is required for a referendum to change the Constitution?
- AA simple national majority
- BUnanimous agreement of the states
- CA double majority
- DA two-thirds majority in parliament
A double majority means a majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the nation. (The Australian Constitution)
14.What can happen to a self-governing territory’s laws?
- AThey can be changed only by a national referendum
- BThey cannot be changed at all once they are passed
- CThey can be changed only by the High Court of Australia
- DThey can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time
Self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time. (State, territory and local government)
15.On what date did the colonies unite into the Commonwealth of Australia?
- A25 April 1915
- B1 January 1900
- C26 January 1788
- D1 January 1901
On 1 January 1901 the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia. (Federation)
16.What right does every person have in an Australian court?
- AThe right to be represented by a lawyer
- BThe right to a retrial on request
- CThe right to choose the judge
- DThe right to refuse to attend
Every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court. (The courts, judges and juries)
17.What is an elected member of a local council called?
- AA Councillor
- BA Minister
- CA Shire President
- DA Senator
A Councillor is an elected member of a local council. (Australia’s leaders)
18.What is a proposal for a new law called?
- AA referendum
- BAn Act
- CA Bill
- DA portfolio
A proposal to introduce a new law or change an existing one is called a Bill. (How laws are made)
19.What does each Australian state government have of its own?
- AIts own High Court
- BIts own parliament and constitution
- CIts own head of state
- DIts own currency and defence force
Each state government has its own parliament and constitution. (State, territory and local government)
20.How independent is the Australian Electoral Commission?
- AIt is controlled by the party in government
- BIt is independent, and government cannot influence its decisions
- CIt reports to the Prime Minister
- DIt is a division of the Home Affairs department
Political parties or people in government cannot influence the decisions of the Australian Electoral Commission. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)